Imagine having an idea. Not just a good idea but an awe inspiring thought or realisation. An idea that will change not just the way humans know and think about themselves, but an idea that will challenge understanding of their very existence or even their creation and cut through to the heart of their beliefs which have been held for the last 2000 years.
But at this stage even you have doubts. You are understandably nervous about the implications of this revelation. You sketch out your thoughts and your inquisitive but doubting mind makes you write, “I think” on the top of the page of your notebook.
Imagine having had this idea you knew that you now just had to prove it. So you begin by gathering your evidence slowly but assuredly and meticulously amongst all the other things that you have to do including fending off bouts of illness. And you know it will take years – more than twenty years to be a little more precise.
But then somebody tells you that someone else is thinking along the same lines. The race is on. By now you are convinced you are right and that your theory is strong but do you have enough evidence yet?
At last you allow your thoughts to be shared. Mixed reactions greet your publication many of which are surprisingly positive but there’s also much scorn, ridicule and contempt. Even some old friends are skeptical; some even turn their backs.
However, slowly but surely over the years other people produce evidence to back up your ideas and your theory becomes popular eventually becoming completely accepted (by most). In fact 150 years later one of the few last remnants of disbelievers have no alternative but to succumb:
The Church of England issued an article saying that the 200th anniversary of his birth was a fitting time to apologise to [him] “for misunderstanding you and, by getting our first reaction wrong, encouraging others to misunderstand you still”.
Happy 200th Birthday Mr Darwin! (12th Feb 1809)
Welcome.
This is the home of Woodlife. You will find links to Pablos Woodlife (blog) the Woodlife Social Network (forum) and Woodlife Trails (courses) all on this page.
Pablo,
This simple and understated “happy birthday” is one of the better tributes to ‘ol Charles that I’ve seen around the web today. Thanks.
He was a very clever guy someone you would be glad to have around your camp fire Just thought wondered did he sit around one as we sometimes do We,ll never no
Hey Pablo!
A little late, but happy tracking in the new year! I am glad to see your tendom is getting better, hope it heals well and you have your leg muscles soon. Trackers are often lying on the ground anyway… maybe it is a chance to find those elusive ant tracks in the dust.
I finished my PhD in anthropology and am going back to Brazil next week. Now, with more free time, I hope to be able to do some tracking in my own neck of the woods.
Best wishes,
Luciano
Meanwhile on the other side of the pond a full 50% for people asked would rather believe that their imaginary friend made all this in seven days. LOL
SBW
BTW, I found this post written in such an interesting manner that I forwarded it to a biologist friend of mine.
Sad but true, suburban bushwacker. Yet one more reason for this American to hang his head in shame at the continued apparently willful ignorance of so many of his fellow citizens.